Craig Berube surprises everyone with some good news involving William Nylander
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski Imagn Images
Craig Berube will have a difficult decision to make sooner rather than later regarding the Leafs' lineup following his update on William Nylander's potential return.
Absent from the morning skate, William Nylander is set to miss his sixth consecutive game on Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Leafs' leading scorer was injured on December 27th against the Ottawa Senators and has been dealing with a lower-body injury since.
Nylander 'Doing Good'; Berube Hopeful For His Return
Following a brief morning skate, Berube fielded questions from the media as he usually does. Of course, the most prominent question was about Nylander's status and potential return to the lineup.
In a short answer, Berube revealed that Nylander could return to the lineup as early as Saturday.
Nylander's Return Poses Difficult Decision For Berube
Since returning from the Christmas break, the Leafs are 4-0-2, including a 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday that is widely considered to be their best game of the season.
Over the last six games, and last five without Nylander, Berube and the Leafs have found line combinations that have worked incredibly well. That begs the question, where does Berube slot Nylander when he returns?
We know he won't be breaking up the first line of Auston Matthews, Bobby McMann and Max Domi and shouldn't touch the Easton Cowan, Nicolas Roy and Nick Robertson line either.
Does that mean he drops the suddenly productive Matias Maccelli from the second line? Or does the Leafs bench boss scratch veteran Calle Jarnkrok and put Nylander alongside Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz, as unlikely as that sounds?
If the Leafs fail to collect a point on Thursday, it will be easier for Berube to adjust his lineup for a Nylander return. If they win, however, Berube will be facing a ton of questions about changing a formula that is working.
Also read on Toronto Hockey Daily :
Maple Leafs reveal projected lineup versus Flyers: News on Nylander
Maple Leafs reveal projected lineup versus Flyers: News on Nylander
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 8 | 534 ANSWERS Craig Berube surprises everyone with some good news involving William Nylander Do you think the Leafs should keep Nylander out until they lose in regulation? | ||
| Yes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it | 221 | 41.4 % |
| No, but they shouldn't change the top 3 lines | 313 | 58.6 % |
| List of polls | ||